Karura Forest at a glance
Karura Forest is a forest reserve inside Nairobi, run by the Kenya Forest Service (KFS) together with the Friends of Karura Forest. It is not a national park, so the national park fee table does not apply. The forest offers walking, nature watching and forest trails, and it is known for a waterfall and caves.
It works well as a green half day when you are not on a game drive. If you are planning a wildlife day instead, look at Nairobi National Park game drives. For a city day with more variety, combine the forest with the National Museum on another morning.
Trails, waterfall and caves
What you come for, and one thing to check first.
Forest trails
Walking and nature watching on forest paths are the core of a visit. Stay on the paths, do not feed animals and carry your litter out with you.
The waterfall
A small waterfall drops over rocks into a pool. It is the main sight in the forest, and it is the place most affected by heavy rain.
The caves
The forest has caves that visitors walk to. Do not plan a cave visit after heavy rain, and do not assume they are safe to enter in every weather.
Check access after rain
In March 2026, access to the waterfall, the caves and the bridge was closed because of flooding. Confirm at the gate that these areas are open before you walk to them.
Our pick: a guided forest walk
A guided walk in Karura Forest with the entry in the price.
Hand-picked tours, booked through GetYourGuide. Prices are indicative starting prices in US dollars (as of October 2026). Tap a tour for live availability and the current price in your currency.
Nairobi tours and wildlife visits
Game drives, giraffe and elephant visits and city tours to pair with a morning in the forest, with live prices and availability.
Karura Forest entry fees
The fee system changed with eCitizen. Prices are in KES and change.
| Visitor | Base fare in July 2024, adult / child under 13 | Current price, adult / child |
|---|---|---|
| Kenyan citizen | KES 100 / KES 50 | KES 174 / KES 55 (citizens and residents) |
| Resident | KES 200 / KES 100 | KES 174 / KES 55 (citizens and residents) |
| Non-resident | KES 600 / KES 300 | KES 850 / KES 450 |
| Car parking | KES 200 | KES 295 |
Since the move to eCitizen in 2025, the forest adds 16% VAT and a graded convenience fee instead of the old flat KES 50. For one adult Kenyan citizen entering alone, the price works out at KES 121, made up of 100 plus 16 plus 5. You pay at the gate, not in advance.
The fee varies, so plan for the higher figure: for a non-resident adult, expect KES 600 to KES 850. Payment is by M-Pesa through eCitizen, so have mobile money ready.
Opening hours and gates
Closing times vary slightly, so arrive early.
Opening
The gates open at 06:00. The forest stays open until about 17:30 to 18:00.
Last entry
Last entry falls between 17:00 and 17:45. Plan to be inside well before 17:00, so the cut-off does not matter.
Gates close
The gates close at 19:00. Leave the paths in good time and head back to the gate while it is still light.
Parking
Parking is available at the main gates. The car price is in the fee table above.
Getting to Karura Forest and bike hire
Matatu routes, parking and bikes.
By matatu to Limuru Road
Matatus 11B, 106, 107, 108, 114 and 116 stop at the Limuru Road entrance. Frequencies and fares change, so ask your hotel before you set out.
By matatu to Kiambu Road
Matatus 100 and 120 serve the Kenya Forest Service gate on Kiambu Road.
By car
Use one of the main gates and pay the parking fee there. See getting to the national park for airport routes and traffic notes.
Bike hire
Bike hire costs about KES 650 for 2 hours and KES 1,200 for 4 hours. Forest entry and parking are extra. Prices change.
Plan around the rains
Weather decides whether the waterfall and caves are open.
Wet weather is the main risk for paths, the waterfall and the caves. The long rains fall roughly from March to May, and the short rains from October to December. The long rains are sometimes placed at April to June, so the season edges differ. The Nairobi weather page shows monthly rainfall. For most visitors, the drier months from July to September are a good match for a forest walk.
Karura Forest: frequently asked questions
How much is entry to Karura Forest?
For an adult Kenyan citizen, the price works out at KES 121 (100 plus 16 VAT plus 5 convenience fee). Non-resident adults should plan for KES 600 to KES 850, and parking is KES 200 to KES 295. You pay at the gate, and prices change.
What are the opening hours?
Gates open at 06:00. Last entry falls between 17:00 and 17:45 and gates close at 19:00. Plan to be inside before 17:00.
Is the waterfall open?
Access to the waterfall, the caves and the bridge was closed because of flooding in March 2026. Confirm at the gate before you walk there, and do not plan the waterfall right after heavy rain.
Can I swim at the waterfall?
Do not assume that you can. Ask a ranger at the gate. The posted rules are to stay on the paths, not to feed animals, to make no fires, to take nothing out of the forest and to take your litter with you.
Which matatus go to Karura Forest?
Matatus 11B, 106, 107, 108, 114 and 116 go to the Limuru Road entrance, and 100 and 120 go to the Kiambu Road gate.
Is this the official website of Karura Forest?
No. This is an independent travel guide. It is not run by the Kenya Forest Service or the Friends of Karura Forest and does not sell forest tickets.